Dr. Michael R. Heithaus

Dr. Mike Heithaus is Vice Provost of Environmental Resilience and the Biscayne Bay Campus at Florida International University, and Executive Dean of FIU’s College of Arts, Sciences & Education. A marine ecologist and professor of Biological Sciences, he is internationally recognized for his work on predator–prey interactions and the ecological importance of sharks and other large marine species.

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His research in Shark Bay, Australia represents the most comprehensive study of the ecological role of sharks and has informed conservation policy worldwide, including protections advanced through CITES. Under his leadership, the College of Arts, Sciences & Education helped elevate FIU to No. 5 in the United States for positive impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, earning top recognition for Life Below Water, Life on Land, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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Dr. Heithaus has authored or co-authored more than 200 scientific publications, co-edited five books, and contributed to more than 30 natural history documentaries, including National Geographic’s Shark Fest and Discovery’s Shark Week. He is a member of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida, an Explorers Club fellow, and holds degrees from Oberlin College and Simon Fraser University.